Flower Cosmetics | Drew Barrymore @ Walmart

Hey guys. So I'm sure you've heard by now about Drew Barrymore's new makeup line. I first heard of it from watching her interview with Oprah. (Yeah, I know). I really love Drew, but of course when I first heard about this new line, my first question was: "Is it cruelty-free?"

So I went to their website, and looked for a 'Contact" or "FAQ" link. But of course, being that it's so new in the market, they don't have one. (Which I hope will change with time).

They did have a 'Philosophy' link. Which explains why this line was created, etc. They also mention that Flower products "are never tested on animals". As far as information about their animal testing policy, that is all I got. I tried researching on google, but all I would get were links to other posts (like this one). Apparently no one knows exactly.

I don't doubt that Flower's final products are not tested, as a company would look terrible if they lied about their cruelty-free status. However, what about their raw-ingredients? What about their parent company? Do they have a parent company? All these questions, which I use to determine if a company is cruelty-free, are left unanswered. 

So what does this mean? It just means I will have to get in contact with Flower more directly. I pride myself in presenting you with a cohesive post, with evidence to back up my conclusion about a company's cruelty-free status. I'm posting this, even-though, it's quite inconclusive just to warn you that this company might not be 100% cruelty-free.

If you are like me, you don't support company's unless they are 100% cruelty-free. Meaning that their final product, raw-ingredients, parent company, and sister companies do NOT test on animals. That is the standard I hold my blog up to. So just be aware.

Hopefully, soon I will have a post ending the question of "Is it?"

Until then, hold tight. If you happen to find a cohesive post, please let me know. I would really appreciate it and I'm sure anyone reading this will to.

Until Next Time,

Camila Alvarez

Too-Faced

Hey guys. 

     Yesterday I went on a crazy-sugar fueled spree. What kind of spree am I speaking of? I went to many too-many company websites, and asked about their animal testing policy. I'm glad to say, being that it's only 24-hours later, that three have gotten back to me: Nars, Too-Faced, & Sonia Kashuk*. I'm still waiting for a little more information from Nars, but don't be too disappointed, I have a real treat for you. 

I've been lusting for Too-faced for quite a while. (Kind of like how I've been lusting for tarte). The packaging is too cute. I was hoping to hear good things from them. When I looked on their website, and scrolled down, I knew something awesome was coming. This is what my eyes saw at the bottom of the site. 

I was surprised. I'm always checking the PETA list and had never seen Too-Faced on it. 

When I received the correspondence, it spoke a great deal of the kind of company Too-Faced is. 

Take a look. 

"Good morning Camila,
Thank you for your message. Too Faced Cosmetics is proud to be a completely cruelty free company. We are certified by Peta, and are in the process of becoming certified with Leaping Bunny as well. Whereas we do not test any of the materials within our products on animals, I cannot speak for any other companies in regards to their cruelty free status. I can tell you that Too Faced is very careful in deciding where our products are manufactured and where they are sold in order to ensure that our products are not tested on animals. In fact, we are not sold in some large markets because they require animal testing in order to even sell products there. I hope you find this information to be helpful! Have a great day Best Regards, Aun'JenelleWebsite Customer Relations Coordinator 

www.toofaced.com

 17361 Armstrong AvenueIrvine, CA 92614855-TOOFACED949-553-4431888-454-2141 

   So there you have it. From the beginning to end you can tell Too-Faced is a special company. The whole tone of the letter is so cheerful and colorful. Well, enough of my continues lusting over them. (I think I have a crush). Let's get to the facts. 
      ♥ They are not sold in China!
      ♥ They are certified by PETA & in process of becoming certified by Leaping Bunny. 
      ♥ They DO NOT have third party testing.
      ♥ They are not only cruelty-free but also environmentally friendly. 
      ♥ They do not have a parent company that conducts animal testing. 

I would feel really confident in purchasing from Too-Faced. 
I might hold of on it, since it is a higher-end company. 

I hope this was helpful. I tried to make it shorter, just to get to the facts. 

-Camila A. 

   
*I have a post on Sonia Kashuk, I'm trying to advocate so they get certified my PETA or Leaping Bunny.  

Mally Beauty

April 23, 2013 UPDATE: Still haven're received a formal reply from Mally. :(
Will keep you posted. 

Hey guys.

       So, I've been really horribly unsuccessful in receiving quick replies from companies! It's really frustrating, so I decided to take manners into my own hands. I've been going to companies web pages and looking at their "FAQ" pages, as they are commonly known. 

      Don't worry!!! I'm still contacting these companies, but I figured it would be a good idea to post these, in addition to my correspondences. Like I mentioned previously I like the credibility that comes from personally contacting the companies. 

      However, I still feel like I can trust what it says on these companies web page because these companies would look really bad, if they lied about their cruelty-free status. Trust me. Take PETA who are infamous for checking those kinds of things. The truth always comes out. 

     So, please be patient with me. I'm working hard!

     For now, lets look at what it says on Mally's Beauty web page, about their "tested on animals" status. 

MallyBeauty.com(Click picture to go to site) 

      

I was surprised by the humble, quirky answer to this question. I often receive, answers that are full of facts but often don't answer the question. Just check out my correspondence with L'Oreal, Maybelline, MAC, & Revlon. I just want an answer, even if the answer is not want I want to hear. I don't want to feel like these companies are testing my vocabulary. Hopefully, that makes sense. 

     I feel this answer, from Mally Beauty is trustworthy because they get right to it. I like how, they mention Mally's personal philosophy, "She always says, tested on celebrities, not on animals." I wish all companies would take on that approach. 

         So far, I would feel safe purchasing from Mally. I will however, keep you updated when they reply to me. 
UPDATE: Dec. 29, 2013*** I know I said I would feel safe purchasing from Mally, but the more I've learned about animal testing makes me very spectacle when companies don't address animal testing questions. I would NOT purchase from them until they address my questions & if they meet the criteria I look for. 

       Mally, is usually only found on QVC or on their website. I've never seen her products in a sephora or Ulta. According to their FAQ page, they are not sold in China. 

 -So what do you think? Let me know your honest opinion below. 
-Also, I would appreciate it if you would subscribe. Just look for the subscriber box, to the left. -----> 
It would make me really happy!!! <3 <3 <3 


--Camila A. ☼

L'Oreal Official Correspondence

Hey guys.
So I finally received a reply from L'oreal. To be honest, I think the reason it took so long to receive a reply was my fault. I later realized I had emailed the wrong department. Opps. The important thing is that I finally received a reply from them. 



Here it is: 

My email to L'oreal:

"December 18, 2012

The safety of our consumers is our highest priority at L'Oréal Paris, a division of L'Oréal USA, Inc. Our products and ingredients undergo extensive screening so that consumers may purchase and use our products with complete confidence.

L'Oréal is a leader in developing alternative methods to animal testing with the ultimate goal of eliminating all animal testing completely. In 1989, L'Oréal voluntarily stopped using animal testing for the evaluation of its entire range of finished products. The company has invested $800 million over the last 25 years to develop innovative, alternative methods to animal testing, particularly in the area of reconstructed tissue development. We are totally committed to a future without tests on animals.

To learn more about L'Oréal's work in the area of alternative methods to animal testing, please visit our Sustainability website athttp://www.sustainabledevelopment.loreal.com/research-innovation/focus-on-predictive-evaluation/a-new-generation-of-predictive-evaluation-methods.aspx.

We appreciate your interest in L'Oréal Paris and we hope this information is helpful.

Sincerely,

[I don't feel right sharing the name of the person who replied to me]

Consumer Affairs Advisor

Ref # 6785402 "

      As you can see my suspicions were pretty accurate. Like I have mentioned before companies that mention they are committed to "a future without animal testing", are just evading the question. Whenever you hear that from a company it basically mean: WE CONDUCT ANIMAL TESTING. I am however, confused that according to my correspondence, in 1989 "L'Oreal voluntarily stopped using animal testing for the evaluation of its entire range..." I don't understand why a company would initiate an end to animal testing, yet continue to conduct animal testing. My opinion is that it has to due to China's obligatory animal testing law. Remember, there are  1.3 billion people in China, that is a gigantic market and companies like L'Oreal are not stupid. They know what that means to their pockets. Oh, money how you can rid us of our humanity! 

     Its weird to me that so many replies I receive from companies that do conduct animal testing are so similar. For example my correspondence with Maybelline, Revlon, & MAC. 

     I don't understand why these companies talk about trying to find "an alternative" to animal testing, when the alternative already exists. Check out Peta's website for an more detail at these methods, where are often "generally faster and less expensive."( Peta's Site)

       I won't go into too many details about these methods, as I am just a regular person who happens to be very passionate about animal cruelty, but I'm by NO means an expert. 

   

       So, if you are switching over to all cruelty-free cosmetics, I applaud you and urge you to STOP buying L'Oreal products. There are other great companies that come out with amazing products and do it with with no animal testing! For example, Physicians Formula, Sonia Kashuk, ELF, NYX, L.A. Colors (I still have to verify, but I'm hopeful), tarte, etc... (Check out my Cruelty-Free list for more). 

     Like I mentioned in my L'Oreal Update post, just a couple of days ago, I DO NOT support companies who have parent companies that test on animals. So I will be adding all the companies I listed from that post, to the NOT CRUELTY FREE section of my cruelty-free list. 

What do you think about all the similar replies I've been receiving from these companies? Have you had a similar experience? Anything you would like to add? Let me know, I really enjoy my comments! Especially since I receive so few. :)

      

--Camila A. ☼

L'oreal Update

Hey guys.

I'm in the process of contacting L'oreal, obviously, about their animal testing policy. Although, I have my suspicions about this company, I still feel the need to make it official. I am aware that L'oreal is sold in China. If you are new to the world of cruelty-free cosmetics; China requires any cosmetic company (and probably other non-beauty related companies) to conduct animal testing before selling in the country.

I have a good feeling about what I will hear back from L'oreal. Make of that what you will ;).

With the whole UrbanDecay disaster, I felt my research was incomplete. Although, my sources are highly credible, I still feel the need to provide you with my personal correspondence and the information I have gathered. If all the information I provided you was dependent on other resources, what would be the point of this blog?

Even though it takes longer to due because most companies take about 2-3 weeks to reply or some simply never reply, I feel the need to make it official. I'm sure you would agree. It makes me credible because I'm not just throwing out my own opinions or premonitions about a company, there is actual prove which helps you make your decision.

If I wanted, I could just take what I think I know and spurt out my opinions. Which, trust me I greatly enjoy doing, however I'm sure you appreciate the professionalism I take when it comes to the subject of animal testing. I take it very seriously and therefore want to make sure all my research is objective. Meanwhile, you can look forward to my very subjective opinions ONCE I have the prove to back them up.

I'm going to list all the companies, according to L'Oreal's website. 

L'oreal Paris

Garnier

Maybelline New York

Softsheen, Carson

CCB Paris

Essie

L'oreal Professionnel

Kerastase

Matrix

Pureology

Shu Uemura Art of Hair

Keraskin Esthetics

Essie

Lancome

Biotherm

Helena Rubinstein

Shu Uemura

Giorgio Armani

Ralph Lauren

Cacharel

Viktor & Rolf

Diesel

YSL Beaute

Maison Martin Margiela

Stella McCartney

YUE SAI

Vichy

La Roche Posay

inneov

Skinceuticals

Sanoflore

Roger&Gallet

The Body Shop

I do NOT support companies who claim to be cruelty-free but whose parent companies test on animals and sell in China. If a company falls under another company that conducts any type of animal testing, THAT COMPANY IS NOT CRUELTY-FREE. An example of that would be Burt's Bees, which is owned by Clorox. 

So if you are in the process of switching to 100% cruelty-free products and are unsure of L'oreal. I would highly suggest you hold off on purchasing any of their products for now. At least that is what I have done with any company I have been unsure of. 

As for now, I will cite L'Oreal's  FAQ page and be back shortly with a post dedicated to that. Once, I hear back from them I will let you know! 

If you need any help let me know in the comments or email me at ca.alva@yahoo.com . Don't hesitate, I really would love to help you in any way. Also, know that I understand how frustrating it can be to go through this process, but always remember why your doing it. For those innocent little creatures who deserve to be loved not poked and harassed 24/7. 

-Camila Alvarez 

Final Update UrbanDecay

Hey guys. So I emailed UrbanDecay on Friday and received a reply today.

(This is the message I sent them)
"To whom it may concern,

I have recently learned that this company has been bought by industry giants L'oreal. L'oreal is not 100% cruelty-free and I am afraid your policy will change because of this fact. I believe the consumer has the right to know whether a company test on animals. Please respond as soon as possible. I will be sharing any correspondence I receive on: [this blog) . 

-Camila Alvarez "

(This is what I received in reply direct from UrbanDecay)

"Hello,

We want to reassure our customers that although our ownership is changing, our principles have not. L'Oreal is the industry leader in finding alternatives to animal testing. We're excited to have a partner who has made and continues to make important changes in our industry.

Sincerely,

Team UD"

So there you go.

Like I mentioned before I do not support company's who has a parent company that test on animals. I do not support Burt's Bees and Maybelline, Revlon, Mac, etc. I will not be purchasing anything from UrbanDecay and hope this is the last time I type their name on my blog.

I am really curious on your opinion. Let me know.

-Camila Alvarez

Physicians Formula

Hey guys.
     I guess the people at Physicians Formula, and many other companies are just too busy. I've emailed them maybe three times now and have not received a reply. Yes, I know I know. That is why big companies have FAQ pages, but is a personal correspondence too much to ask for? I think not. 
     I decided, in as a desperate measure to in fact discuss what is one the Physicians Formula FAQ page. (Click the link if you wish to check it out.) 
  
 "Q. Does Physicians Formula test on animals?

    A. Physicians Formula Inc. does not conduct tests, or commission any outside facility to conduct tests that involve the use of animals. The safety of our products is determined using such alternate methods as "in-vitro" testing, human clinical evaluations and human use-trials under the supervision of a Board Certified Dermatologist." 

         The only problem I have with this is the use of "commission". If we want to get annoying technical, the definition for commission is: "the authority to perform a task or certain duties." 

      

      What does commission mean here? Does it just mean: 'We do not permit/allow "outside facility to conduct tests..." or 'We do not require "any outside facility..." See the difference? 

      

       As I am one of those, very technical persons who notices the slightest change, of course I must question the use of that word, commission. I'm sorry if that annoys you, trust me it annoys me too, but it's in my nature!!! I can't help it :( 

       

       This is where a personal correspondence with a company is important. If they took two seconds to reply to my questions the whole mystery would come to light. (Yes, I will blame them for my OCD) 

       

        In all seriousness, the use of the word commission is important to me. Animal testing is not a topic I take with a light heart. It's horrific and because it is so cruel, it must be treated in such a manner. Remember these animals are poked, cut, blinded, burned, etc. They are put in cages 24 hours of the day, feed little or nothing. No living thing deserves to live that way. When I think of these things, my OCD is very much justified. 

       Aside from that, I'm extremely happy with the rest of the answer to the Q: " Does Physicians Formula test on animals." I truly appreciate when a company tells you how they conduct their testing. They discuss the "in-vitro" method they use instead of animal testing. To be completely honest I have no idea what that is, but I now plan to find out. ;) *wink wink, hint hint* I advocate human use-trails as an alternative to animal testing. They are humane and in turn create jobs. What is there to lose?  

        Note: I will post an update, when my "commission" question is answered :) 

      

        I am, as of now, not afraid to browse the products on the Physicians Formula counter. However, I would appreciate a reply. Physicians Formula, answer my questions pretty please.!!!!

        I have used their products in the past and really enjoyed them. I encourage you, if you are interested, to join me in relentlessly emailing and trying to contact PF. If you do please let me know. Either comment below or email me at ca.alva@yahoo.com :) 

--Camila A. ☼

Real Techniques

Hey guys.

I have to be frank. I received this correspondence sometime in October. October 24th  actually. I honestly have no idea why I didn't talk about it. Might of been that I was busy with a midterm or something of that nature. Regardless, here it is. And being that I am a huge fan of the Pixiwoos sisters on YouTube I am so excited and not disappointed. This brand carries synthetic make up brushes. Read for yourself. 

"Dear Camila,Real Techniques does not subscribe to animal testing on our finished products or individual ingredients. With today’s huge bank of safety-tested ingredients and several alternative methods to animal testing available, we find it unnecessary to conduct animal safety studies on our products or ingredients. In those cases where chemicals may have never undergone safety screening, and we believe there is a reasonable basis to question the safety of such an ingredient, we take two paths. First and foremost, we try to avoid the use of such an ingredient. In some instances where the ingredient is vital to the performance of the product, we conduct other types of laboratory testing, but do not conduct testing on animals.It remains our goal to provide quality, safe, and environmentally and socially responsible products for you and your family.The FDA does not have any regulations for items which are classified as “vegan.” The term “vegan” refers to food items, and our products do not fall into that category. We do consider our products earth-friendly and we do have very natural components, such as: 100% cruelty-free synthetic Taklon bristles. We hope that you decide to purchase Real Techniques to complete your makeup looks.Thank you for your interest!All our best,Real Techniques"

     Similar to Sonia Kashuk's email, they give details to their alternative testing methods. They also state that they consider animal testing "unnecessary". Not one correspondence I've received from any other company, regardless of whether they do or do not test on animals have given a statement close to that one. It truly shows this companies ethics. 

     I'm ecstatic!! I wish that every reply I received from a cosmetic company was this honest and clear. Real Techniques gets right to the point. The first sentence is "Real Techniques does not subscribe to animal testing...." I does not get more honest than that. In fact, the entire tone of that email is friendly. 

     Not only do I recommend checking out this brand but I also recommend checking out the Pixiwoo's YouTube channel. They are Sam Chapman and Nic Haste. They are beautiful and so talented. 

     I'm planning to buy the core collection and posting a receive. Let me know if that is something you'd be interested in. Also, just a comment would be fun. I haven't received a comment yet :( *wink wink* *Hint hint* 

     Lot's of love and stay strong in the quest of making the world a little bit of a better place, with one small act of kindness each day. 

--Camila A. ☼

NYX Cosmetics

UPDATE (June 19, 2013): NYX has emailed me assuring me of the compliance of their raw ingredient manufactures. This is what they said: 

Hello,
Thank you for reaching out! NYX Cosmetics is certified and acknowledged by organizations, such as PETA, as a cruelty free brand. NYX is committed to producing 100% cruelty-free cosmetics. NYX does not test any of its raw materials or finished products on animals.
Kindest Regards,
NYX Cosmetics

I will be adding them back to My Cruelty Free list.  



UPDATE: (June 11, 2013) 
I have heard some unsettling news from one of my lovely readers (Deani). Please click here, she linked me to this article. I'm going to be calling them. I will keep you all updated!!


Hey guys. 

HOORAY!! I finally received a reply from NYX cosmetics. After countless attempts, I decided to get more assertive and demand a reply. This is what I send out to them: 
     

    

 "I have read your FAQ's page and have looked the PETA's DO NOT list [click here to check it out] . I am aware your   company does not test on animals; however since I am conducting my own research I would like a reply from a representative reinforcing that fact. This is my third effort in trying to contact you guys. IF i receive a reply I will be sharing it on humanelychic.blogspot.com . I know you must receive many of these emails; but as a customer I think I deserve to have my question addressed on an individual level. -Camila A." 

Clearly, you can note my impatience, but come on, how hard is it to reply? Well, by-gones be by-gones! NYX is still one of the few big brand companies that is cruelty-free and I will forgive them just for that fact :) <3 

This is what I received in reply: 

"Hi Camila,
We do not test on animals and choose our vendors who know our commitment to being animal cruelty free. We do not sell our products in countries that require animal testing. We renewed our PETA symbol as shown on our website. We hope this helps. Sorry for the late reply.
Best,
NYX Cosmetics"

So what do I think?

I am esthetic, I held off on purchasing from NYX because I really felt that in order to make my research something "scholarly" or more credible, I needed something official from the company. I feel completely safe buying from them, and I will be doing so soon. ;)

Email me at ca.alva@yahoo.com if you want to share your NYX research or if you have a question for me. Comment below, I would love to know your opinion.


-Camila A. ☼

Sleek Makeup

April 23, 2013 UPDATE: I published the article below on October 19, 2012. After at least five + attempts to try to contact them, I don't know how I would feel about supporting such an inconsiderate company, even if they are cruelty-free. I will however, keep you updated. 




Hey guys.

     I've been relentless in trying to contact Sleekmakeup.com and have been unsuccessful. Big surprise!! Since the people at Sleek are ignoring me, I have taken my own measures. I have been snooping around, checking their status with animal rights organizations. What I have found is...well you decide for yourself. 
     First, they are not listed in either PETA's DON'T list and PETA's DO list; or on LeapingBunny's list. Wanting to give Sleekmakeup a chance to redeem themselves I ventured on to Nottested.co.uk ; which is a UK animal rights website, that gives list of various other company's animal testing policies.
   Companies that are highlighted in orange, are those : "Companies yet to respond or who have ambiguous policies (i.e. Those that do not clearly state that both the finished products and ingredients are not tested on animals)" 

     When you scroll down to Sleekmakeup, there is a statement from the company ; which is: ""[We] confirm that we do not test any of our products on animals during any phase of the product’s development, and therefore declare that all cosmetic products comply with the EEC Cosmetics Directive 76/768/EEC that are not tested on animals."

    They do not have a parent company. 
     If this is true, why not become certified by a credible organization, like PETA or Leaping Bunny???
     Companies like this make me think "SHADY!" Although, I hate companies like Revlon, Maybelline, Burt's Bee's (Clorox), etc... but at least those companies, in their conservative ways, either state they are testing on animals, or "indicate" they are. 
     It's really disappointing. I have tired three times now to contact them, no reply so far. I will keep trying! Even if it means taking a trip to the UK. 
     Leave your opinions below, or contact me privately at ca.alva@yahoo.com 

tarte cosmetics animal testing policy

Hey guys.

I have received an email from a Tarte representative in regards to their animal testing policy. As always I will share it:

"Hello Camila,

  Thank you for contacting tarte cosmetics customer service. tarte cosmetics is not owned by a parent company. We are a cruelty free brand recognized by PETA that does not support animal testing or work with companies that do. Also, our products are not sold in China.  Please email me if you have any other questions.
Thank you!"

HOORAY!!

Finally a company that cuts the bs and gets to the point. I have watched many YouTube Beauty Gurus, that use cruelty-free makeup, talk about tarte cosmetics, so I had a good feeling about their company; however, I felt inclined to do my own research. Tarte is also in PETA's cruelty free list. (click here to access it) They are not on LeapingBunny's. It could be that they haven't gone through the process, or don't feel like they need to be certified by both companies. As of now I would feel safe about purchasing from Tarte. If you know anything, that might make me change my idea of tarte cosmetics feel free to email me at ca.alva@yahoo.com . Comment and let me know what you think.

-Camila :)

"Tell Revlon to Come Clean About Animal Testing in China" PETITION

Hey guys.

        Yesterday, I posted my correspondence with Revlon. If you read the email I received, you will note that Revlon did not directly answer my question. I was doing more research when I came across this page. It's called The PETA files. I do not have permission from them to share the info but I HIGHLY recommend you check it out. (click here).
     
       In the article they discuss Revlon's "shaddy" behavior, for lack of a better word. Revlon sales in China, and in order to sale cosmetic products in China, companies must test on animals. There is a LINK to sign a petiton, basically telling Revlon you will boycott their products if they continue to sale in China. In a few days I will have an opinon post on another aspect this website addresses. However, please take one minute and sign this petition. The more people who stand for animal's rights, the louder of a voice they will be given.
To sign the petition just click on REVLON STOP SELLING IN CHINA.


-CAMILA A. 

Urban Decay Update

UPDATE: (April 28, 2013) Urban Decay was purchased by L'Oreal Paris, sometime in November of 2012. L'Oreal is NOT cruelty-free. To read all the details click here. To read my correspondence with L'Oreal click here. 

DISCLAIMER: This was published BEFORE L'Oreal purchased UrbanDecay!!!!
_________________________________________________________________
Hey guys.
 So I received a reply from a Urban Decay representative in regards to selling in China.

My question:

"[names are omitted],Thank you for your correspondence. I have one question, that wasn't addressed in the link you provided. Does UrbanDecay sale in China? If so, how does the company get around the Chinese animal testing policy? Thank you in advance.Camila Alvarez "

Response:

"Hi Camila,We currently do not sell our products in China.Best Regards,[any names will be omitted]"

So, as you can see Urban Decay is completely cruelty-free. 

1. their "raw materials" are not tested on animals. 

2. nor are their final products

3.they DO NOT sell in China 

4. they have many vegan products 

5. They are listed on PETA's and Leaping Bunny's list of Cruelty-free companies.

6. I will be adding them to my cruelty-free list, once it's done. Unless, new information arises.

For now, I would feel comfortable buying their products. Not that I will anytime soon, I'm a college student after all. This view might change if, like i mentioned new information arises. 

It's difficult to know 100%, that a company is cruelty-free. That's why it's important of us to petition and to ask, and ask, and ask, for these companies to go cruelty-free. It's the power of the many. Vote with your money for cruelty-free companies. Hopefully, someday we will live in a society that values the life's of animals. A society, that see's them as friends rather than petri-dishes.

-Camila A.  

P.S. Leave your opinion or/and feedback. I would love to hear people's opinions. 

Maybelline

Hey guys! 
I tried contacting Maybelline. They only allow you to ask one question at a time. This was on their Q & A page. I would like to share it:
Read it for yourself: Maybelline Q & A

"ANIMAL TESTING POLICY.The safety of our consumers is our highest priority at Maybelline, a division of L'Oréal USA, Inc. Our products and ingredients undergo extensive screening so that consumers may purchase and use our products with complete confidence.All the brands of the L'Oréal Group are in full compliance with the requirements for safety in the more than 130 countries in which our products are sold, as well as with FDA regulations and the European Union Cosmetic Directive.L’Oreal is a leader in developing alternative methods to animal testing with the ultimate goal of eliminating all animal testing completely. In 1989, L’Oreal voluntarily stopped using animal testing for the evaluation of its entire range of finished products. The company has invested $800 million over the last 25 years to develop innovative, alternative methods to animal testing, particularly in the area of reconstructed tissue development. We are totally committed to a future without tests on animals.
To learn more about L’Oreal’s work in the area of alternative methods to animal testing, please visit our Sustainability website at http://www.sustainabledevelopment.loreal.com/research-innovation/focus-on-predictive-evaluation/a-new-generation-of-predictive-evaluation-methods.aspx"

     I feel that Maybelline is trying to excuse their unethical behavior by stating that they wish for "a future without tests on animals". Besides that, I feel like this answer is filled with a bunch of unrelated information. These companies try to set themselves up as the good guys when they are as inhumane as humanity can get.
      
       I want to start a cruelty-free list on my blog. I need to gather more information to put together a well rounded list. For now, add Burt's Bees and Maybelline and some others that test on animals, but without evidence I won't add them to my list yet. 

Feel free to comment.

Camila A. 

Burt's Bee's, Un(bee)lievable

Hey guys. So today I got a reply from Burt's Bee's, specifically a Burt's Bee's employee at the Consumer Care Team. I would like to share that email and then express how I feel about it. 

"Dear Miss Alvarez,

      This is Leigh with Burt's Bees. Thank you for taking the time to reach out to us with your concern. We appreciate the opportunity to share our stance on animal testing and our relationship to Clorox.
     We are passionate about our principles and we do not conduct any manner of animal testing nor do we ask others to do so on our behalf. Our products are certified under the Consumer Information on Cosmetics’ (CCIC) Leaping Bunny program, whose seal we proudly display on our packaging. Learn more about the Leaping Bunny seal at leapingbunny.org.
      Yes, Burt’s Bees is owned by Clorox and they are aware of, and fully support our position on animal testing, as they are also committed to the welfare of animals. In fact, using non-animal product safety evaluations is the norm at Clorox. Animal testing is a rare exception, used only when required by law or when all other efforts have been exhausted to establish a product's safety profile. If you would like to read Clorox’s full policy on animal testing, please use the following link: http://www.cloroxcsr.com/products-safety/.
In addition, you may find our Corporate Social Responsibility Report of great interest. It is located at burtbees.com/CSR. If we can provide any further information, please feel free to contact us at 1-800-849-7112 or burtsbees@consumerreply.com.
      GMO is an organism (such as a plant) that has been genetically modified. We reject the use of GMOs because not enough is known about their use and we are not convinced that they are natural or safe. Furthermore, we do not believe GMOs should be used in any kind of personal care products.
     Currently, there is a lot of controversy concerning GMOs and until researchers conclude that this technology is safe we will not use it in any of our products.
     I am sorry but none of our products are certified vegan.
All the best,

Consumer Care Team"

Camila's View:  

I feel extremely disappointed. Burt's Bee's is one of the biggest companies out there the targets natural products. How can a company define itself as natural and "nature becomes you" when they are using animals as petri-dishes for your experiments? Sure they don't test their products on animals, only when "required by law"?? This is a misconception MANY people have, the law (USA) DOES NOT require companies to test their products on animals. Check out : the FDA website to see their regulations on animal testing.    Further, they are owned by Clorox, which is the parent company, meaning even if you buy Burt's Bees stuff, those millions of dollars also go to Clorox and funds their animal testing. By the way Clorox owns Burt's Bees!!?? Clorox makes cleaning supplies, like Bleach that has many chemicals. These two companies seem almost complete opposites!   If you are serious about going cruelty-free, you MUST look at the parent company as well. I will definitely STOP buying from Burt's Bee's and encourage all who want to go cruelty-free, or are cruelty-free and didn't realize Clorox owns Burt's Bee's to stop buying their products. 

 

P.S. Feel free to leave me what you think about this in the comments. Did you use Burt's Bees? WIll you continue to buy from them?